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March 2016
Spring starts now here along the northern Gulf Coast of Florida. For real this time, not like back in December when some plants were tricked into thinking it was coming with the unseasonal warmth. And because we did not get any freeze at all until later in January, it seems to have pushed back spring - at least compared to previous years.
Roundleaf Bluet grows all thru the yard and the edges of the woods. Colonies can get fairly large, at least for a plant with leaves and flowers in the ¼" range. This colony is around 4x6". I like how it's able to compete with the grass and leaf litter and establish its space.
Yellow Wood Sorrel also grows everywhere. I know I am forever pulling it from my garden. Please do not confuse with the invasive wood sorrel (Oxalis debilis), that one with the pink flowers and nutballs for roots. There's also an invasive YWS (Oxalis stricta) found farther north according to Invasive.org
More below the fold, as we used to say.…
No idea on the tiny 4-petal flower. It took several attempts to focus on its 1/8" bloom. Getting both flower and leaves in focus is near impossible. It likes the sunny spots.
Moss - about all I know about this. Guess I could go learn. It’s not very big, the clump is about 2” but it sure is pretty in the morning dew.
Lots of Viola sororia around now. I'm hoping to see the less common white-flowered Viola primulifolia. It's only in 2 places down near the bottoms so I guess they like the wetter ground.
Here a Flatwoods Plum starting to flower. Doesn't really fit in with the tiny theme but it's one of the trees that got fooled into throwing out a few flowers in December.
Plum with flowers open. These first ones are still on the small side compared to usual. Another native plum for our area is the Chickasaw (Prunus angustifolia). It has real thorns and grows in thickets.
And finally, here is my one and only Trillium in full flower. I hope it spreads!
I may not be around much today. DISGUSTED is the feeling since my new neighbor called the loggers and right now they are down in the bottom of his woods cutting Loblolly Pines. Heading out soon to take more photos of their demise. Timber will be hauled up to Coastal Lumber on the other side of Havana, FL to make cheap plywood.
I'm off, I hear more trucks so I guess the loggers have moved to the top of the hill to take down more trees. I counted about a dozen down below between his lot and his sister’s. At least they are not after the hardwood trees like Cherry and Sweetgum. Peace y'all.
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